First of all, I apologize for being absent for nearly a week. The outrageous storms here in Kentucky left us without internet service for nearly a week. The storms have left their mark on many parts of Kentucky, including the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region.

Tennessee Valley Authority and the Corps of Engineers are predicting the lake level for Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake to rapidly rise to 372 feet by May 2nd (13 feet over summer pool). The current lake level is 363.5 feet and is predicted to rise to 368 feet by Saturday. This will greatly impact LBL’s boat ramps, campsites (campgrounds, backcountry areas, and self-service areas), trails, and roads. Efforts are underway to barricade and close all impacted areas.

Visitors to Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) are encouraged to check the Alerts & Notices page on our website at www.lbl.org or to “Call Before You Haul,” 270-924-2000, for current information, closure lists, and details due to the recent storm damage and the predicted rise in lake levels.
Use caution on all roads and lakeside areas in LBL due to possible flooding from rising lake levels and overly saturated soil conditions. LBL staff warns visitors who use the trails, roads, camping areas, and boat ramps to be extremely cautious and observe all closures for your safety.

In addition, everyone is urged to use caution when crossing creeks, streams, or any areas with standing or flowing water. All low lying areas should be avoided whenever possible. Gravel roads have the potential to washout during these heavy rain events. Please use extreme caution when traveling on LBL’s gravel roads.

Wranglers Campground and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area will remain closed until further notice due to this week’s storm damage.

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My husband and I were in the Land Between the Lakes region around lunchtime recently and we knew exactly where we wanted to eat: Main Street Java in Benton, Kentucky. We’ve been there for supper numerous times but had never had the opportunity to have lunch with them.

Opportunity knocked and we answered with fork in hand.

When our server asked what we’d like to order, my husband told her that we we’re thinking about ordering a little bit of everything.

And then we did.

First of all, we hadn’t had lunch at Main Street Java before, so we wanted to find out what several different menu items were like. Second of all, we were starving!

I ordered the California Pizza and it was love at first sight, even before I took my first bite. Fresh, premium ingredients (olive oil, spinach, artichoke, roasted red pepper, red onion, black olive, Italian seasoning, cheese) on flat bread pizza? Words can’t even describe how fresh, healthy, outstanding, and delicious this pizza is. You honestly have to make a point of driving to Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky just for the California Pizza alone.

It’s unbelievable and it has been on my mind ever since.

My husband ordered chili and a panini. I couldn’t pull myself away from the California pizza to become very familiar with the panini but it looked amazing. The chili and I did get acquainted. In fact, I pulled it away from my husband with one swift ninja move.

The chili was super special – it had large meat chunks in it that were mind-blowingly delicious.

We also tried some of their outstanding Macaroni and Cheese with jalapeno peppers in it – their Macaroni and cheese isn’t just good, it’s beyond good.

It’s so good, in fact, that it comes with its own menu. You can add any of the following to the original Macaroni and cheese for just a tiny bit more:

• Bacon
• Asiago Cheese
• Tomato
• Red Onion
• Black Olives
• Bread Crumbs
• Red Pepper
• Chili Pepper
• Jalapeno Pepper

Click the following link for Main Street Java’s menu.  Better yet, GO! You won’t regret a single bite.

For other Genuine Kentucky reviews of Main Street Java, see:

Main Street Java In Benton, Kentucky Home to the Best Steak in Kentucky – Possibly the World

Returning to Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky!

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This sounds awfully fun! If the Murder and a Meal at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater is even half as entertaining as the Comedy Dinner with Marty Pollio at Lake Barkley State Resort Park, we’re all in for a night to remember!

Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater series presents a murder mystery where the audience tries to figure out whodunit!

“Check-out Time,” a murder mystery about a troubled innkeeper and her staff, will be performed by Laughing Corpse Production Company out of Nashville, Tenn., with lots of audience participation.  So grab your magnifying glass and mystery solving skills and head out to Lake Barkley State Resort Park on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

While piecing the clues together, guests will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, including salad bar, parmesan crusted chicken and beef tips, dessert and more.  Tickets are on sale now for $40 a person until Sept. 15 after which prices will increase to $45 a person.  Limited seating is available, so get your tickets now!  For tickets or additional information call the lodge at 1-800-325-1708 or email Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov

Besides the  lodge with a spectacular view of the lake, the park includes cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop and recreational and nature programming.  The park is near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes at 3500 State Park Road just off I-24.  Exit at Highway 68.  From the exit go west toward Cadiz and the park.

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As you can probably tell,  we’re pretty much obsessed with wildlife, birds, and butterflies at Genuine Kentucky.  Truth be told, I’m becoming more than a little intrigued with insects as well -dragonflies, lady bugs, stick bugs, lightning bugs… such cool little guys.  Even more reason to love living in Kentucky.  We have such a beautiful variety of these fascinating animals.

One of my favorite things to do when in the Land Between the Lakes area (in addition to eating catfish  – another obsession) is to look for and observe wildlife.  Whether we’re at the outstanding Woodland’s Nature Center, the equally outstanding Elk & Bison Prairie or hanging out at one of the beautiful state parks – my eyes are always peeled for extra-special locals.

When you’re in the Land Between the Lakes area, I hope you’ll take in all the beauty around you – including the amazing array of birds.  At many of the travel brochure stands in the area, you’ll find a pamphlet titled “LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES AREA BIRD CHECKLIST.”  This extremely handy little guide lists the different birds you could potentially see while at Land Between the Lakes.

If you’d like to print out your own guide, you can do that too!  LBL.org has thought of everything and has an online version of the Land Between the Lakes Bird Checklist.

The pamphlet lists the places below as “Recommended Birding Spots”

• Kentucky Dam
• Hematite Lake and Trail
• Honker Lake, Bay, and Trail
• Woodlands Nature Station Backyard
• North/South Trail – Sugar Bay to Rhodes Bay
• Shaw Branch Road – (153/134) from Hwy 68/80 to Energy Lake
• Elk & Bison Prairie
• South Oak Grassland Demonstration Area
• The Homeplace
• Fort Henry Trails
• South Welcome Station and Bear Creek

I’d add the following Birding Opportunistic sites in the Land Between the Lakes Region:

• Lake Barkley State Resort Park
• Kentucky Dam Village
• Kenlake Lodge
• Grand Rivers Jetty at Sunset – At Lighthouse Landing on Kentucky Lake, Grand Rivers, Kentucky
• Little Lake Park (Grand Rivers) – Located on Commerce Street behind the Badgett Playhouse

For more information on any of these areas (including maps), visit the links below:

Grand Rivers Attractions

Land Between the Lakes

Kenlake State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

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Fireworks Of Fishing This Weekend On “Kentucky Afield” TV
In honor of the Fourth of July weekend, Kentucky Afield is having their own kind of fireworks. They’ll feature a retrospective of the most exciting fishing trips in recent years on “Kentucky Afield” television this weekend, July 3 and 4.

The fun begins in eastern Kentucky on the Little Sandy River. There, one fish whose bite says ka-boom is muskellunge. As showcased on the “Best of Kentucky Afield Fishing” DVD, host Tim Farmer tags along with local expert Bob Elliott.

On the opposite end of the state, viewers will visit Kentucky Lake for bluegill with Roy Kenady. The Christian County resident puts Farmer on an excellent catch, as the fish are ready to spawn.

At Lake Barkley, one species anglers circle in red is the redear sunfish. Some call them shellcrackers, but today, they are like firecrackers. Farmer takes notes from Jack Devor on his homemade jigs and baits that sweeten the catch.

“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central Saturdays, and repeats at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central Sundays on KET 1. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.

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Ice cream? Fireworks? Now where are you going to beat that?!

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Kentucky Is the Perfect Place for a Summer Family Vacation!

Summer is just around the corner, and families don’t have to look far afield for a fun-filled vacation in friendly surroundings.

“From houseboating on Lake Cumberland to exploring the many fascinating exhibits along Louisville’s Museum Row, Kentucky is a fabulous place for families to bond while enjoying new and exciting experiences this summer,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Travel & Tourism.

A great way for a family to spend quality time together is a houseboat vacation on one of Kentucky’s jewel-like lakes. From Lake Cumberland in the east to Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in the west, renting a houseboat provides a relaxing getaway for thousands of families every summer. Cruise the tranquil waters and enjoy jet-skiing, tubing and swimming. Anchor near shore and go exploring or fish from the bank. Houseboats come in all sizes with a range of amenities – just pick one and set sail for family adventure.

Venture to one of Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks and “rough it” while camping, backpacking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Most of the parks with campgrounds are equipped with RV hookups; at the resort parks, lodge rooms and cabin rentals are available if you’d rather get back to nature with more of the comforts of home.

If reliving key moments in Kentucky history is more your family’s style, take them to Kentucky’s state historic parks for memorable encounters with the Bluegrass state’s storied past. Experience one of the largest Civil War battlegrounds in the country at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site about 15 miles west of Danville. While in central Kentucky, you can see what Kentucky’s frontier was like at Old Fort Harrod State Park and Fort Boonesborough State Park, where costumed interpreters portray life in pre-Revolutionary War days.

The place to get close to horses is the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. With nearly one million visitors yearly, the Horse Park is the world’s only theme park dedicated solely to man’s relationship with the horse. Kids love to make the acquaintance of celebrated racehorses who now call the park home. And there’s always something new and interesting at the International Museum of the Horse.

New this summer is the The Hatfield McCoy River Rats in Pike County. From kayaking, canoeing, tubing and paddle boats to guided and unguided river tours, this new facility will provide adventure for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Depart for your water experience on the river at the headquarters at the Bob Amos Park in Pikeville.

In downtown Louisville, take a stroll along Museum Row near the riverfront. Here you’ll find the Frazier International History Museum, where the arms collection spans centuries starting with medieval England and live interpreters demonstrate sword fights.  Make time for visits to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where workers craft the bats used by major leaguers and the history of “America’s pastime” comes alive. Youngsters and their parents will also enjoy the Muhammad Ali Center, where interactive exhibits in multiple languages pay tribute to the career and values of the former world champion boxer from Louisville.

Meanwhile, take the kids to Bowling Green in south central Kentucky for Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, with 40 rides, go-carts and a water park.  Drag racing and stock car racing also provide excitement at Beech Bend Raceway. Auto enthusiasts, young and old, will also enjoy the National Corvette Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to America’s sports car. Right across the street, tour the GM Corvette Plant, the only place where Corvettes are made.

To start your family’s exploration of any of Kentucky’s summertime attractions, visit www.kytourism.com or call the Department of Travel & Tourism’s toll-free line, 1-800-225-8747.

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Shutterbugs: Brush up Nature Photography at Digital Camera Workshop!

Digital photographers, here’s your chance too sharpen your skills at a nature photography workshop coming to beautiful Lake Barkley State Resort Park on April 17th. Award-winning nature photographer Curt Hart will lead the workshop which begins Saturday at 9a.m. Hart has captured more than 100 species of birds and wildlife with his camera and will share his techniques and expertise with workshop participants during the full-day workshop.

From Lake Barkley State Resort Park:
The program includes classroom instruction, time in the field, critique and editing processes. The fee is $75 and lunch is included. Class size is limited so reserve early for this popular event. Call 1-800-325-1708 to reserve a spot or for more information. This workshop is recommend for DSL camera owners.

The workshop is a perfect excuse to plan a family/friend weekend getaway at Lake Barkley in the heart of far west Kentucky. The park is the largest resort park in Kentucky’s system and the lodge affords a spectacular view of the lake through massive windows. Mid April falls in the thick of spring and is a magical time to be being surrounded by natural beauty and capture the landscape in photos.

Besides the lodge, the park includes cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming.  It’s near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes at 3500 State Park Road just off I-24. Exit at Highway 68 and go west toward Cadiz and the park.

For more information contact Nick Edmonds at nick.edmonds@ky.gov or call the lodge at call 1-800-325-1708.

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Lake Barkley State Resort Park is geared up and ready for Spring.  After Old Man Winter’s especially cantankerous mood, aren’t we all?!

Lake Barkely SRP is throwing out the welcome mat to welcome spring’s arrival in southwestern Kentucky with a celebration of nature and nurture for every member of the family on March 19-21.

This celebration is an ideal time for a weekend getaway to enjoy and celebrate one of the most beautiful spectacles in the world: Springtime in Kentucky.

The celebration begins Friday evening (March 19, 2010) at 6:30 with the “owl prowl.” A guide will lead you to prime owl habitats, allowing participants to listen and learn more about these beautiful birds.  The hike is $1 per person but children 5 years and younger prowl free.

Saturday marks the official beginning of a full day of spring.  Lake Barkley SRP will continue the spring celebration with an 8 a.m. lap swim at the park’s fitness center. At 9 a.m. the park naturalist will lead a leisurely hike in search of the first signs of spring along the ground, in the trees and other surroundings.

The archery range is open from 1 – 2:30 p.m. with an instructor available for beginners.

Learn tips on attracting birds to your own backyard beginning at 3 p.m. and you’ll even learn how to construct your own recycled hummingbird feeder. Birdwatching and recycling are two things near and dear to my own heart – so kudos to Lake Barkley State Resort Park for this activity.

On Sunday morning, you can join the naturalist for a migratory bird hike.

More About Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the largest state resort park in Kentucky and visitors will find that there is something for everyone to do and enjoy. The park features a lodge, cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant (an exceptional restaurant – click the link for my own review), a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming. See?  Everything you could hope for!

The park is located at 3500 State Park Road in Cadiz.  From I-24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.

For more information about the Spring weekend celebration of other amenities at the park, contact Mary at mary.schmidt@ky.gov  or Nick at nick.edmonds@ky.gov.

You can call the lodge at call 1-800-325-1708.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state!  For more information on Kentucky parks, visit http://www.parks.ky.gov/

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The beautiful weather we’ve been enjoying the past few days has everyone thinking about grilling out, baseball, and summer fun in the sun. Fortunately, we have plenty of places to choose from here in Kentucky to enjoy all the fun we can handle. Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers, Kentucky is a great option. Resorts and Lodges.com didn’t just rank Green Turtle Bay in their Top 10 Kentucky Family Resorts, they ranked them #1.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit Green Turtle Bay, watch the video above to get an idea about what you’ve been missing.

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